If the current economic downturn has taught us anything, perhaps it is the fact that we can indeed survive with less. The era of the 42" LCD TV in the guest bathroom (one in the living room will probably suffice), the 5 car garage for the new house, and the diamond-studded dog collar is officially over.
So when the holidays roll around, it is important to be consistent with your gift giving as well. If grandma isn't getting the 24" rims for the Caddy she's been eying, then she probably isn't getting you the latest spider-trapping contraption from SkyMall either. So why not break the cycle and start a tradition of gift-giving that makes everyone feel good, is easier on the pocketbook, and involves llamas, alpacas, or perhaps even fermented cow urine if you are feeling really giving (read: hateful, or vengeful).
That's right, this year, from the comfort of your own home, you can order an alpaca for a Bolivian family in need, and you can do it in someone else's name as a holiday gift. What better way to say I love you, than an empty box under the Christmas tree, that will leave you explaining to Bobby or the GF (once the tears have subsided), that "In the freezing Peruvian Andes, alpacas are part of the family. Not only do they offer a ready supply of nourishing milk, their wool provides people with vital insulation. Families sell the fleeces, too, generating income to see them through the winter months." The tears will stop instantly.
But seriously, it's time to do something good, pay it forward, blah blah blah, and most importantly it comes with free alpaca finger puppets to signify your donation.
Practical Presents,
Project Concern, and FARM Africa, all have really neat gift ideas for that special someone who already has it all. Because he probably doesn't already have
fermented cow urine.
